If I were recognized for something at school, it would be for my ability to dance at school events. When I was a child, I would dance to every song. Back then, a child could be a dancer just by moving their body and tossing their head. My parents saw my talent and wanted to make me a dancer. Bharatanatyam was my introduction to Indian classical dance. This divine form of dance was regarded as a stepping stone in a dancer’s journey.
My parents sent me to Kairali Kalakshetra in Dubai when I was three years old. This school was established by Mrs. Asha Sharath, a famous Indian dancer and actress. Her graceful movements and varied dancing skills are well-known in the dance industry. She trained me for over a year. In 2010, my father was transferred to Abu Dhabi, due to which I had to leave this institute. Mrs. Kalakshetra Geeta was my second tutor for about 6 years, during which I competed in several competitions, both in and out of school. I won a lot of them and was recognized at my previous school for them.
My father was transferred back to Dubai in 2017. Guru Prem Menon is my third and current instructor. Since 2002, he has been teaching dance to many passionate young children. With his expertise in this field, I was fortunate enough to dance at Bollywood Parks and Resorts. It was my desire to perform in a temple in front of the Almighty. I aspired to experience divinity from within. So I started learning around 8 dance items, which would account for a 2-hour programme.
On July 22nd, 2018, we travelled to Kerala for the performance at the famous Guruvayoor Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. I was worried about maintaining my stamina during the whole process. In order to avoid making errors and preserve my endurance, I trained day and night for two months. Anything is possible if you have the will to do it. Dancing in front of the Almighty at the temple was a life-changing experience. That day came. It was July 24th, 2018. My heart pounded. My teacher entered the stage and began the Poorvaranga Puja preparations. I took his blessings and he tied the sacred anklets (called Chilanka) to my feet. Then he told the orchestra to start playing, and the music began. As soon as I heard the music, my feet trembled. I was lost in my dance. The audience’s applause filled my ears after my dance. I rushed backstage, crying joyful tears.
I enrolled at GEMS Modern Academy in 2017. To me, Modern was a different environment. Classical dance was not given much prominence here. In 2018, Mrs. Rajeshwari Damania came as an angel to the school. She was good in Bharatanatyam. She saw my skill and enthusiasm for dancing and helped me grow. She enabled me to study dance as a sixth subject (by the way, I am the only student who has taken dance as their sixth subject). Why did I choose dance as a subject? Having dance as a subject has helped me grasp the subject’s theory.
She provided not only me, but also different students across the middle and senior school, with numerous opportunities. I participated in the Emirates Environmental Group, the La Perle show, and countless other school events under her supervision. We are currently working on a dance piece for Expo 2020.
Whenever words fail, dance says it all. Dancing is one of the best stress relievers, especially during these exam times. Dancing adds magic to our lives and life isn’t complete without it. I will never stop dancing, and you all will continue to see me perform at school events!
– Anamika Jayakumar, 10E